BISMARCK – Researchers, government agencies, and assistance groups continue to sound the alarm about the affordable housing crisis in North Dakota.
The good news, they say, is that policymakers are listening. Legislators are paying attention to proposals this session to spur more development and help homeless people. Some recommendations now on the table include a bill that sets aside 200 million dollars for communities to get more affordable housing projects developed.
Chandler Esslinger with the North Dakota Coalition for Homeless People says boosting access with these funds is a good start, as service providers convey urgency to state lawmakers. She says this is needed to meet demand, and if people don’t want to see increasing homelessness in their community, this is the type of investment required.
Esslinger says that lawmakers have appeared receptive to the need for action so far. She and other advocates say the crisis requires bigger commitments, but the 200-million figure might be easier to pass. Some residents who testified about this issue said these efforts might be well-intentioned, but they’re not sure using taxpayer dollars would be effective.
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